Your Complete Florida Relocation Checklist
A universal step-by-step timeline applicable to anyone moving to Florida from any state. From initial research through settling into your new home.
12+ Months
Research
6-9 Months
Plan
3-6 Months
Execute
1-3 Months
Move
After
Settle
12+ Months Before
Research, Budget, and Strategy
- Research Florida regions and narrow down your target areas
- Determine your budget: what can you afford in your target Florida market?
- Take the "Which Florida Town Is Right for You?" quiz for personalized recommendations
- Compare cost of living between your current state and Florida
- Visit Florida for a scouting trip. See towns in person, explore neighborhoods.
- Research Florida home insurance costs for your target area
- Understand Florida tax implications: no state income tax, homestead exemption, property tax rates
- Start consulting with a real estate agent about your current home value
- Begin decluttering and planning for the move
- Research Florida schools if you have children
6-9 Months Before
Get Serious About the Move
- Get a professional home valuation for your current property
- Interview and select your listing agent for your current home
- Connect with a Florida agent in your target market
- Determine your optimal listing timeline and pricing strategy
- Begin mortgage pre-approval for your Florida purchase
- Research Florida HOA communities, school zones, and neighborhoods
- Start any home repairs or improvements needed before listing
- Explore Florida healthcare options in your target area
- Research moving companies and get initial quotes
- Notify your employer about the potential relocation (if applicable)
3-6 Months Before
Execute the Plan
- List your current home for sale
- Begin actively searching for Florida homes with your agent
- Make an offer and go under contract on your Florida home
- Schedule your home inspection in Florida
- Begin the closing process on your current home
- Research and apply for Florida homeowners insurance
- Notify your employer about the relocation timeline
- Get firm quotes from moving companies and book your mover
- Notify your children's schools of the upcoming move
- Start packing non-essential items
1-3 Months Before
Narrowing Down
- Close on your current home sale
- Close on your Florida home purchase (or finalize rental)
- Confirm the moving company for your move date
- Set up mail forwarding through USPS (do this 2-4 weeks before moving)
- Transfer utilities: cancel current, set up new at Florida address
- Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance, subscriptions
- Notify IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare of your address change
- Transfer medical records to new Florida healthcare providers
- Update your voter registration
- Get Florida auto insurance quotes and set up coverage
After the Move
Settling In and Legal Requirements
- Get your Florida driver's license (required within 30 days of establishing residency)
- Register your vehicles in Florida (required within 10 days)
- Register to vote in Florida (bring your FL driver's license)
- File for the Florida Homestead Exemption (by March 1 of the year after you establish residency)
- Update your address with the IRS, Social Security, and Medicare
- Register for Florida's Save Our Homes tax cap (automatic with homestead exemption)
- Find new healthcare providers (doctor, dentist, specialists, pharmacy)
- Explore your new community. Find favorite restaurants, parks, shops, and services.
- Connect with local groups, organizations, and community events
- Schedule a post-move consultation to review your transition and plan next steps
State-Specific Considerations
Depending on where you are moving from, there are additional steps and considerations that apply to your specific situation. Here are the most important ones by origin state.
Moving from New Jersey
NJ Exit Tax: If you are selling your NJ home, be aware of the NJ Exit Tax (technically the Gross Income Tax clearance certificate). The state withholds a percentage of the sale proceeds from non-resident sellers. If you have already moved to FL, you are a non-resident. You must file Form GIT/REP-3 to request a waiver or reduced withholding.
Capital gains: NJ taxes capital gains as ordinary income. If you sell your NJ home after moving to FL, you may owe NJ tax on the gain. Plan your move to avoid this.
Homestead timing: NJ has no homestead exemption comparable to Florida. The tax savings from the FL Homestead Exemption are a major benefit.
Moving from New York
NY statutory residency: New York aggressively audits former residents. You must prove you have severed all ties: no NY driver's license, no NY vehicle registration, no NY voter registration, no NY primary residence. Keep a log of days spent in NY.
NY source income: If you work remotely for a NY-based employer, you may still owe NY income tax on those wages. Some employers have policies around this. Clarify your tax situation before moving.
NY exit tax: New York has a "millionaire's exit tax" on certain high-value home sales. If your sale exceeds certain thresholds, additional taxes may apply.
Moving from Pennsylvania
PA has a flat 3.07% income tax. No local income taxes in most areas. Moving to FL eliminates this entirely.
PA does not tax retirement income (401(k), IRA, pension, Social Security) for residents. If you are retired, compare the tax implications carefully.
Philadelphia residents: the city wage tax (3.75% for residents) is also eliminated when you move to FL.
Moving from Connecticut
CT has a progressive income tax up to 6.99%. High earners see the largest savings from moving to FL.
CT has high property taxes (average 1.8%). The combined income and property tax savings are substantial.
CT residents moving to FL should plan for the homestead exemption filing timeline and ensure they sever all CT residency ties.
Moving from California
CA has the highest state income tax rate in the US (up to 13.3%). The tax savings from moving to FL are enormous.
CA Proposition 19: If you are over 55, you may be able to transfer your CA property tax base to a new home in CA. This does not apply to a FL move. You will start fresh with FL property taxes.
CA residency: Like NY, CA aggressively audits former residents. Sever all ties: driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration, bank accounts, and primary residence.
Want a Personalized Checklist for Your Specific Situation?
Every move is different. I will work with you to create a custom timeline and checklist based on your specific circumstances, timeline, and destination.
Before you start the checklist, take the quiz to narrow your destination.
Take the Quiz